Multi-sided display for portable computer

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus for providing multi-sided viewing functionality. In one embodiment, the display apparatus is comprised of a front cover which is electrically and mechanically coupled to an electronic device. A first display component is disposed on the front cover and includes a front display panel and a rear display panel. A second display component is coupled to the electronic device. A display control circuit, coupled to the electronic device, is adapted to activate and to deactivate display panels in direct response to the orientation of the front cover, and when electronic device is so configured, to the orientation of a second cover, interposed between the front cover and the electronic device. Electronic ink technology is used in the formation of the two sided display components.

RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATION

This Continuation Application claims the benefit and priority to theco-pending, commonly-owned US patent application with Attorney DocketNo. PALM-3304.SG, Ser. No. 09/728,023, filed on Nov. 30, 2000, byFrancis Canova Jr., and titled “Multi-sided Display For PortableComputer,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing amulti-sided display for a portable computer system. More particularly,the present invention provides an apparatus for providing multipleelectronic-display panel capabilities for a portable computer system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the continuing advances in technology have enabled theminiaturization of the components required to build computer systems,new categories of computer systems have been created. One of thecategories of computer systems has been the portable, hand held, or“palmtop” computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistantor PDA. Other examples of portable computer systems include electronicaddress books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and thelike.

A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be heldin the user's hand and as such is “palm-sized.” As a result, palmtopsare readily carried about in the user's briefcase, purse, and in someinstances, in the user's pocket. By virtue of its size, the palmtopcomputer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionallyportable and convenient.

The continuing miniaturization of computer systems has enabled a user tonow carry in their pocket very powerful computer systems. However,miniaturization has also reduced some of the functionality of theportable computer system compared to desktop systems. To support theform factor of the portable computer, smaller graphic display panels andreduced graphic resolution have been developed. By virtue of thereduction of the graphic display capabilities of the portable computer,less information is now visible to the user.

Another drawback to the portable computer system is its display panel.While the development of the liquid crystal display (LCD) has, in part,enabled the further development of the portable computer system, it isnot without certain limitations. An LCD is constructed using glass, andas such, is thick, rigid, and relatively heavy for its size.Additionally, liquid crystal displays are usually visible from oneposition, and as such, the information displayed is often difficult tosee. Another drawback is that some LCD's require backlighting forillumination of the display area which is a constant draw on theretained power within a portable computer. Further, for the LCD to holdthe images or text on the display area for the user to see, a constantflow of power must be applied to the screen, which is a draw on theretained power within a portable computer.

With most portable computer systems operating on battery power, thecontinuous drain of power, as described, significantly reduces theusable time before recharging is required. Additionally, becauseincreased quantities of battery power are required for the portablecomputer to operate longer without being recharged/replaced, powerconsumption directly impacts the size of the battery required.

Another computer system being developed and currently available is theelectronic book computer, commonly referred to as an “e-book.” An e-bookhas the approximate physical properties associated with a laptopcomputer, but consists of two viewable areas, each facing the other,analogous to an open book. The e-book is utilized the same as whensomeone reads a book, but without pages to turn. Instead of turning thepage, the two facing screens are refreshed, loading the new text to beread, in a fashion to simulate the turning of a book page. The text isnot the printed text that is known in the printed form, but rathergroups of pixels that are controlled electronically through theapplication of voltage or current to create the image of letters, andtherefore words. Unfortunately, the e-book, while presenting text in anew manner is as large as a laptop computer, and therefore just ascumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus a need exists for a portable computer system with additionaldisplay panels. Another need exists for an apparatus that fills theabove need and which provides multi-sided e.g., two-sided display intothe front cover of a portable computer system. Another need exists foran apparatus that fills the above need and which further provides anadditional display panel on a palmtop computer. Another need exists foran apparatus that fills the above need and which further provides aswitching mechanism to control which of the display panels are activatedby, e.g., a mechanism that responds to the position of the front coverof the portable computer.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will nodoubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after havingread the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentswhich are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for providingmulti-sided viewing functionality to a portable computer system. Thepresent invention further provides, in one embodiment, an apparatus thatachieves the above listed feature which further provides two-sideddisplay capabilities to the front cover of the portable computer system.Furthermore, the present invention also provides an apparatus thatprovides the above listed features and which further provides anadditional display panel to the portable computer system. Additionally,the present invention also provides an apparatus that provides the abovelisted features and which readily and transparently controls theactivation of the display panels by the opening of the front cover ofthe portable computer system.

In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a front cover.The front cover is electrically and mechanically coupled to the palmtopcomputer. In the present embodiment, a first display component iscoupled to the front cover. The first display component furthercomprises a front display panel and a rear display panel. In the presentembodiment, a second display component is mounted with the portablecomputer system. In another embodiment, a third display component may beprovided and coupled to the portable computer system. Additionally, inone embodiment, the technology used in the display component iselectronic ink display. Further, in the present embodiment, the displaycomponent is flexible. Furthermore, in the present invention, a displaycontrol circuit is included in the portable computer system. The displaycontrol circuit is adapted to activate the first display component andthe second display component. The display control circuit is furtheradapted to activate the third display component, provided the thirddisplay component is present and coupled to the portable computer. Thedisplay control circuit is further adapted to provide that activation indirect response to the orientation of the front cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment includinga portable computer system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a portable computer system connected toother computer systems and the Internet via a cradle device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a portable computer system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom side perspective view of the portable computer systemof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the portable computersystem of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top side perspective view of a portable computer systemconfigured a front cover in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom side perspective view of the palmtop computer systemof FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a portable computersystem, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of a portablecomputer system configured with a display component disposed on thefront cover, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the portablecomputer system of FIG. 8 with the front cover in the open position, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of a portablecomputer system configured with three display components, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the portablecomputer system of FIG. 10 with the front cover opened, exposing thesecond of three display components, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the portablecomputer system of FIG. 10 with the front and second covers opened,exposing three display panels, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the palmtop computer in FIGS. 8 and 9, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a displaypanel of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a displaypanel of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a displaypanel of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is flowchart showing the steps in a process 1700 for utilizingthe apparatus for providing multi-sided display functionality to theportable computer system in FIGS. 8 and 9, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is flowchart showing the steps in a process 1800 for utilizingthe apparatus for providing multi-sided display functionality to theportable computer system in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A display apparatus having multi-sided display functionality for aportable computer system is described. In one embodiment, a flat paneltechnology is employed. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious,however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In some instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidobscuring the present invention. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, component, and circuits have not been described in detail asnot to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Notation and Nomenclature

Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow, are presentedin terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and othersymbolic representations of operations on data bits that can beperformed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations arethe means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to mosteffectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in theart. A procedure, computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., ishere, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of stepsor instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are thoserequiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, thoughnot necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical ormagnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has provenconvenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to referto these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention,discussions utilizing terms such as “activating” or “determining” or“indicating” or “indexing” or “receiving” or “performing” or“initiating” or “sending” or “implementing” or “disabling” or “enabling”or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of acomputer system or similar electronic computing device, that manipulatesand transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantitieswithin the computer system's registers and memories into other datasimilarly represented as physical quantities within the computer systemmemories or registers or other such information storage, transmission ordisplay devices.

Embodiments of the present invention are discussed primarily in thecontext of a portable computer system, such as a palmtop or personaldigital assistant. However, it is appreciated that the present inventioncan be used with other types of devices that utilize a flat paneldisplay device, including but not limited to palmtop computer systems,pagers, cell phones, remote web browsers, remote control devices, etc.

Exemplary Palmtop Platform

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment 50including a portable computer system 100 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Portable computer system 100 isalso known as a palmtop or palm-sized computer system. In oneembodiment, portable computer system 100 has the ability to transmit andreceive data and information over a wireless communication interface(e.g., a radio interface). For purposes of the present application, theterm “portable computer system” is not intended to be limited solely toconventional palmtop or portable computers. Instead, the term “portablecomputer” or “portable computer system” is also intended to include anymobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are notlimited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones,electronic address books, and numerous other mobile devices which mayhave the ability to wirelessly communicate with a network. As such, forpurposes of the present application, the terms “portable computer” and“mobile device” will be considered synonymous and will be usedinterchangeably.

Base station 32 can be both a transmitter and receiver base station,which can be implemented by coupling it into an existing publictelephone network 34. Implemented in this manner, base station 32enables portable computer system 100 to communicate with a proxy servercomputer system 36, which is coupled by wire to the existing publictelephone network 34. Furthermore, proxy server computer system 36 iscoupled to the Internet 52, thereby enabling portable computer system100 to communicate with the Internet 52. When communicating with a Website over Internet 52, protocols such as CTP (Compact TransportProtocol) and CML (Compact Markup Language) can be used by portablecomputer system 100 in the present embodiment.

It should be appreciated that one of the functions of proxy server 36 isto perform operations over the Internet 52 on behalf of portablecomputer system 100. For example, proxy server 36 has a particularInternet address and acts as a proxy device for portable computer system100 over the Internet 52.

It should be further appreciated that other embodiments of acommunications network, planned or envisioned, may be utilized inaccordance with the present invention. For example, a wirelessconnection may be made from portable computer system 100 directly to theInternet 52.

The data and information which are communicated between base station 32and portable computer system 100 are the same type of information anddata that can conventionally be transferred and received over a publictelephone wire network system. Additionally, in FIG. 1A, the existingtelephone network could also be a packet-based network, as is theBellsouth wireless data network utilized by some conventional portablecomputer systems. However, a wireless communication interface isutilized to communicate data and information between portable computersystem 100 and base station 32. It should be appreciated that oneembodiment of a wireless communication system in accordance with thepresent invention is the Mobitex wireless communication system.Furthermore, any wireless network, in addition to the Mobitex wirelessnetwork, can support the functionality to be disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of a system 51 that can be usedin conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention. System51 comprises a host computer system 56 which can either be a desktopunit as shown, or, alternatively, can be a laptop system 58. Optionally,one or more host computer systems can be used within system 51. Hostcomputer systems 58 and 56 are shown connected to a communication bus54, which in one embodiment can be a serial communication bus, but couldbe of any of a number of well known designs, e.g., a parallel bus,Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN), etc. Optionally, bus 54 can providecommunication with the Internet 52 using a number of well-knownprotocols.

Importantly, bus 54 is also coupled to a cradle 60 for receiving andinitiating communication with portable computer system 100. Cradle 60provides an electrical and mechanical communication interface betweenbus 54 (and anything coupled to bus 54) and the computer system 100 fortwo-way communications. Portable computer system 100 may instead becoupled to host computer systems 56 and 58 via a wireless (radio)connection. Computer system 100 also contains a wireless infraredcommunication mechanism 64 for sending and receiving information fromother devices. Additionally, in FIG. 1B, the existing telephone networkcould also be a packet-based network, as is the Bellsouth wireless datanetwork utilized by some conventional portable computer systems.

With reference to both FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is appreciated that portablecomputer system 100 can be used in a network environment combiningelements of networks 50 and 51. That is, as will be seen below, portablecomputer system 100 can include both a wireless infrared communicationmechanism and a signal (e.g., radio) receiver/transmitter device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the top face 100 a of oneembodiment of the palmtop computer system 100 of the present invention.The top face 100 a contains a flat panel display screen 105 surroundedby a bezel or cover. A removable stylus 80 is also shown. The displayscreen 105 is a touch screen able to register contact between the screenand the tip of the stylus 80. The stylus 80 can be of any material tomake contact with the screen 105. The top face 100 a also contains oneor more dedicated and/or programmable buttons 75 for selectinginformation and causing the computer system to implement functions. Theon/off button 95 is also shown. Also shown is front cover 175. Asdescribed further below, front cover 175 includes a display componenthaving a rear display panel and a front display panel.

FIG. 2 also illustrates a handwriting recognition pad or “digitizer”containing two regions 106 a and 106 b. Region 106 a is for the drawingof alphabetic characters therein (and not for numeric characters) forautomatic recognition, and region 106 b is for the drawing of numericcharacters therein (and not for alphabetic characters) for automaticrecognition. The stylus 80 is used for stroking a character within oneof the regions 106 a and 106 b. The stroke information is then fed to aninternal processor for automatic character recognition. Once charactersare recognized, they are typically displayed on the screen 105 forverification and/or modification.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom side 100 b of one embodiment of thepalmtop computer system that can be used in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention. An extendible antenna 85 is shown,and also a battery storage compartment door 90 is shown. A communicationinterface 180 is also shown. Also shown is front cover 175. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the communication interface 180 isa serial communication port, but could also alternatively be of any of anumber of well-known communication standards and protocols, e.g.,parallel, SCSI (small computer system interface), Firewire (IEEE 1394),Ethernet, etc.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the palmtop computer system 100 inaccordance with one implementation. It should be noted that front cover175, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, is not shown so as to simplify thedescription of the exploded view of portable computer 100. Computersystem 100 contains a back cover 245, and a front cover 210 having anoutline of region 106 and holes 75 a for receiving buttons 75 b. Flatpanel display 105 is disposed on front cover 210. A battery 215 provideselectrical power. A contrast adjustment (potentiometer) 220 is alsoshown, as well as an on/off button 95. A flex circuit 230 is shown alongwith a printed circuit (PC) board 225 containing electronics and logic(e.g., memory, communication bus, processor, etc.) for implementingcomputer system functionality. The digitizer pad is also included in PCboard 225. A midframe 235 is shown along with stylus 80.Position-adjustable antenna 85 is shown.

Infrared communication mechanism 64 (e.g., an infrared emitter anddetector device) is for sending and receiving information from othersimilarly equipped devices (see FIG. 1B). A signal (e.g., radio)receiver/transmitter device 108 is also shown. The receiver/transmitterdevice 108 is coupled to the antenna 85 and also coupled to communicatewith the PC board 225. In one implementation the Mobitex wirelesscommunication system is used to provide two-way communication betweencomputer system 100 and other networked computers and/or the Internetvia a proxy server (see FIG. 1A).

FIG. 5 is a front angled perspective illustration of a portable computersystem with an opened front cover. Portable computer system 100 is shownas equipped with front cover 175 removeably coupled to portable computer100, which is adapted to provide protection against damage to displaypanel 105. Cover 175 may rotate as shown by the arrow, about the axis,or hinge. Portable computer 100 as depicted in FIG. 5 is analogous tothe palmtop computer of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 including dedicated and/orprogrammable buttons 75 and on/off button 95.

FIG. 6 is a rear angled perspective illustration of the back face andthe back of front cover 175 of portable computer system 100 of FIG. 5.Portable computer system 100 is shown as having optional data storagedevice receptacle 140, adapted to receive optional data storage devices,e.g., memory sticks, secure data cards, and the like. Portable computer100 of FIG. 6 is otherwise analogous to portable computer 100 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates circuitry of computer system 100, some of which canbe implemented on PC board 225 (FIG. 4). Computer system 100 includes anaddress/data bus 110 for communicating information, a central processor101 coupled with the bus for processing information and instructions, avolatile memory 102 (e.g., random access memory, RAM) coupled with thebus 110 for storing information and instructions for the centralprocessor 101 and a non-volatile memory 103 (e.g., read only memory,ROM) coupled with the bus 110 for storing static information andinstructions for the processor 101. Computer system 100 also includes anoptional data storage device 104 (e.g., memory stick) coupled with thebus 110 for storing information and instructions. Device 104 can beremovable. As described above, computer system 100 also contains adisplay device 105 coupled to the bus 110 for displaying information tothe computer user. PC board 225 can contain the processor 101, the bus110, the ROM 103 and the RAM 102.

With reference still to FIG. 7, computer system 100 also includes asignal transmitter/receiver device 108, which is coupled to bus 110 forproviding a physical communication link between computer system 100, anda network environment (e.g., network environments 50 and 51 of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, respectively). As such, signal transmitter/receiver device 108enables central processor unit 101 to communicate wirelessly with otherelectronic systems coupled to the network. It should be appreciated thatwithin the present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device 108 iscoupled to antenna 85 (FIG. 4) and provides the functionality totransmit and receive information over a wireless communicationinterface. It should be further appreciated that the present embodimentof signal transmitter/receiver device 108 is well suited to beimplemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signaltransmitter/receiver device 108 could be implemented as a modem.

In one embodiment, computer system 100 includes a communication circuit109 coupled to bus 110. Communication circuit 109 includes an optionaldigital signal processor (DSP) 120 for processing data to be transmittedor data that are received via signal transmitter/receiver device 108.Alternatively, processor 101 can perform some or all of the functionsperformed by DSP 120.

Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 7 is an optionalalphanumeric input device 106 that in one implementation is ahandwriting recognition pad (“digitizer”) having regions 106 a and 106 b(FIG. 2), for instance. Alphanumeric input device 106 can communicateinformation and command selections to processor 101. Computer system 100also includes an optional cursor control or directing device (on-screencursor control 107) coupled to bus 110 for communicating user inputinformation and command selections to processor 101. In oneimplementation, on-screen cursor control device 107 is a touch screendevice incorporated with display device 105. On-screen cursor controldevice 107 is capable of registering a position on display device 105where the stylus makes contact. Display device 105 is suitable forgenerating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable tothe user. In the preferred embodiment, display device 105 is a flatpanel display.

MULTI-DISPLAY EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 8, portable computer system 100 is shown in afront facing illustrated perspective view with the front cover closed.This embodiment provides a display component as the cover and thisdisplay component has a front display panel and a rear display panel. Inthis embodiment, flat panel display technology is used. On/off button 95is shown as being disposed on the top surface area of portable computer100 and oriented on the right side. Region 550, shown as disposed towardthe bottom of front cover 300, is adapted to provide access to dedicatedand/or programmable buttons 75. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, when front display panel 500A is activated through thepressing of on/off button 95, the information displayed may need to bemanipulated, and therefore access to buttons 75 is most advantageous.Front display panel 500A is shown as disposed integral with hinged frontcover 300. Front cover 300 may rotate, as shown by the arrow, about theaxis. A display control circuit 200 (FIG. 13) is included in portablecomputer 100 integral with the electronic circuitry within the portablecomputer, and is adapted to control the activation of the displaypanels, as described in more detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 8, when a user turns on/powers up palmtop computer100, display control circuit 200 determines the orientation of frontcover 300. If display control circuit 200 (FIG. 13) determines thatfront cover 300 is in the closed (default) position, it activates frontdisplay panel 500A such that information or data becomes viewable. Inthe example shown, the data viewed is a monthly calendar, e.g., themonth of September, as shown in FIG. 8. It should be appreciated thatthe data could be any data, e.g., a GUI (graphical user interface) orother information presented in a fashion associated with single paneldisplays.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the portable computer 100 of FIG. 8 is shown ashaving front cover 300 in the open (non-default) position. Rear displaypanel 500B, on the left, is now visible. Rear panel display 500B is theother display panel contained within front cover 300, and isfunctionally analogous to front display panel 500A. Display screen 600is shown on the right, coupled to palmtop computer 100, and is alsofunctionally analogous to either display panel 500A or 500B.

Still referring to FIG. 9, by virtue of the orientation of front cover300, display control circuit 200 automatically deactivates originallyactivated front display panel 500A, and activates rear panel 500B offront cover 300. Additionally, display control circuitry 200 activatesnow visible display screen 600. When front cover 500A is deactivated,the data or information previously viewable, e.g., the month ofSeptember as shown in FIG. 8, is reoriented so as to be identicallyviewable on rear display panel 500B, as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally,display screen 600 is activated thereby providing another viewable panelon which new data or information may be displayed. In the currentexample, the information is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month ofOctober, and it shown on the right of FIG. 9. Of course, the user maydisplay any information on either of the multiple display panels.

It should be appreciated that by providing a second display panel to thefunctionality of a portable computer system, the amount of viewablesurface area has been effectively doubled, therefore providing increasedfunctionality to the portable computer system. For example, a user maydisplay a calendar on one panel, and notes regarding the calendar on theother. In another example, a user may display a schedule on one paneland information regarding the calendar on the other. In yet anotherexample, a user may display the GUI (graphical user interface) on onepanel, and have the selected icon's associated application appear on theother screen, reducing the time required to switch back and forth fromthe GUI to associated applications as is customary when using aconventional portable computer system. In fact, a two-sided display, asone embodiment of the present invention, provides an almost endlessarray of functional configurations.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are front facing illustrated perspective views ofportable computer 100 configured with three display panels, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Withreference to FIG. 10, portable computer system 100 has two flip coversand is shown in a front facing illustrated perspective view, oneembodiment of the present invention. The example of FIG. 10 illustratesfront cover 300 closed. Front cover 300 is a display component having afront display panel and a rear display panel. Region 550, shown asdisposed toward the bottom of front cover 300, is adapted to provideaccess to dedicated and/or programmable buttons 75. Front display panel500A is shown as disposed integral with hinged front cover 300. Frontcover 300 may rotate, as shown by the arrow, about the axis. Like FIG.8, display control circuit 200, (FIG. 13), is included within palmtopcomputer 100 integral with the electronic circuitry within the palmtopcomputer, and is adapted to control the activation of the displaypanels.

Referring to FIG. 10, when a user turns on/powers up palmtop computer100, display control circuit 200 determines the orientation of frontcover 300. If display control circuit 200 determines that front cover300 is in the closed (default) position, it activates front displaypanel 500A such that information or data becomes viewable. In oneexample, the data viewed is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month ofSeptember, as shown in FIG. 10. It should be appreciated that the dataviewed, in another example, could be a GUI (graphical user interface) orother information presented in a fashion associated with a single paneldisplay.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the portable computer 100 of FIG. 8 is shownas having front cover 300 in the open (non-default) position. Reardisplay panel 500B, on the left, is now visible. Also now visible issecond cover 301, on the right, and is adapted to rotate, as shown bythe arrow, about the axis. Incorporated into second cover 301 is atwo-sided display component analogous to the two-sided display componentdisposed within front cover 300. Front cover 301 also contains a frontdisplay panel and a rear display panel. Rear panel display 500B, theother display panel contained within front cover 300, is functionallyanalogous to front panel display 500A. Front display panel 600A, on theright, is disposed on the now visible second cover 301. Front displaypanel 600A is also functionally analogous to front display panel 500A.

Referring to FIG. 11, by virtue of the orientation of front cover 300,display control circuit 200 automatically deactivates originallyactivated front display panel 500A, and activates rear panel 500B offront cover 300. Additionally, display control circuitry 200automatically activates now visible front display panel 600A of secondcover 301. When front panel display 500A of front cover 300 isdeactivated, the data or information previously viewable, e.g., themonth of September as shown in FIG. 10, is reoriented so as to beidentically viewable on rear display panel 500B, as shown in FIG. 11.Additionally, front display panel 600A is activated thereby providinganother new viewable panel on which data or information may bedisplayed. In the current example, the information is a monthlycalendar, e.g., the month of October, and is shown as viewable on reardisplay panel 600B of FIG. 11.

Now referring to FIG. 12, the portable computer system 100 of FIGS. 10and 11 is now shown with three display panels visible. Front cover 300is shown in the open position, which therefore has activated visibledisplay panel 500B. Second cover 301 is also shown as being in the open(non-default) position. By opening second cover 301, the previouslyvisible front display panel 600A is deactivated, and the now visibledisplay panel 600B is activated by display control circuit 200. Furtheractivated by display control circuit 200 is display screen 700, whichcan be mounted in palmtop computer 100, and functionally analogous todisplay screen 600 in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 12, when rear display panel 600B and display screen700 are activated, the information or data viewable in the deactivatedfront display panel 600A of FIG. 11 is reoriented so as to beidentically viewable on a visible display panel. For instance, theinformation contained in front display panel 600A was a monthlycalendar, e.g., the month of October, as shown in FIG. 11. Instructionsprovided enable display control circuit 200 to reorient October to beviewable in display screen 700. Additionally, rear display panel 600B isactivated thereby providing another viewable panel on which data orinformation may be displayed. In the current example, the information isa monthly calendar, e.g., the month of November, and is shown asviewable on rear display panel 600B of FIG. 12.

It should be appreciated that in another example of the presentinvention, the data or information being displayed, as previouslydescribed, may or may not require the exemplary configuration as shownin FIGS. 8 and 9, or in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. It should be furtherappreciated that configuration of the data or information displayed isgenerally defined by the user or by the application with which the useris interacting.

It should be appreciated that while the portable computer 100 of FIGS. 8and 9 is shown as having two distinct display panels, it can beconfigured analogous to the depicted portable computer 100 of FIGS. 10,11, and 12, which is shown to have three panels seamlessly connected.This is enabled by the virtue of the thinness, strength, and flexibilityof the material used to construct the two-sided display. It should beconversely appreciated that while the palmtop computer 100 of FIGS. 10,11, and 12 is shown as a seamless panel, it can be adapted to have threedistinct display panels.

Including three display panels in palmtop computer 100 enables a user tonow see much more information, e.g., a user can view completespreadsheets without having to switch back and forth from one section toanother. In one example, a user would be able to view a graphic e.g.,elongated pictures, wide diagrams, complex and expansive formulas, andthe like, in their entirety, no longer having to scroll or switch fromone section or screen to another. In another example, a user may wish tohave multiple daily schedules, or multiple weekly, monthly, or yearlycalendars displayed, thereby reducing the switching of screens normallyassociated with portable computers not configured with the presentinvention. In yet another example, a user may wish to view multiplefinancial documents, e.g., annual income statements from various years.In yet another example, a user may wish to view multiple web pages. Instill another example, and by utilizing the networking functionalitiescontained within the portable computer, a user connected andcommunicating with other individuals via a network, could haveinformation from other portable computers displayed on one or morepanels and compared with or integrated into information contained withinthe other panels. A virtually endless array of viewing configurationsand functionalities are now available to a user.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the palmtop computer 100in FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present invention. Thecircuitry depicted is analogous to the described circuitry of FIG. 7,with the following additions. Display control circuit 200 is added foractivating the appropriate display panel, as previously described, isshown as coupled to bus 110. Display component 105-A, with coupled frontdisplay panel A-1 and rear display panel A-2, shown as coupled to bus110 in this embodiment of the present invention, is representative ofdisplay panel 500A and display panel 500B disposed upon front cover 300.Display component 105-B, shown as coupled to bus 110, is representativeof the display component 600 coupled to palmtop computer 100, in oneembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, it should be appreciated that, in anotherembodiment of the present invention, e.g., the palmtop computer 100 ofFIGS. 10, 11, and 12, display component 105-B would be shown to includefront panel B-1 and rear panel B-2, representing display panel 600A anddisplay panel 600B of the palmtop computer 100 in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.It should be further appreciated that display component 105-C, a thirddisplay component representing the display component coupled to palmtopcomputer 100 would be present in FIG. 13 and would be shown as coupledto bus 110, with the provision that FIG. 13 was a block diagramrepresentation of the palmtop computer 100 of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.

In one embodiment, electronic ink technology is used in the formation ofthe two sided display component discussed above. It should beappreciated that the following drawings in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are,while discussed in the context of a two-sided display component 500having a front display panel 500A and a rear display panel 500B,analogous to the two-sided display panels previously described herein.FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are cross-section illustrated perspectives of atwo-sided display panel with a front display panel and a rear displaypanel, in one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectionshown is such that that front display panel 500A is oriented facingupward and rear display panel 500B is facing downward.

In FIG. 14, flexible transparent material 1520 is shown as beingdisposed upon the uppermost surface of component 500 and is also shownas being disposed upon the lowermost surface of component 500.Transparent material 1520 is depicted as having been sealed so as tocreate a sealed chamber 1500. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, flexible transparent material 1520 is mylar. Transparentconductor 1510A, oriented below the transparent material 1520 associatedwith panel 500A is disposed within sealed chamber 1500. Transparentconductor 1510B, oriented above the transparent material 1520 associatedwith panel 500B is also disposed within sealed chamber 1500. Alsodisposed within sealed chamber 1500 is ink fluid 1530, which isindicated by a “w.” In one embodiment of the present invention, inkfluid 1530 is white in color and comprises the majority of the fluidcontained within sealed chamber 1500. Additionally disposed withinsealed chamber 1500 are encapsulated ink droplets 1540. Encapsulated inkdroplets 1540 are electrostatically charged, making them reactive to amore positive voltage, so as to be drawn to the more positive voltage.In one embodiment of the present invention, encapsulated ink droplets1540 are black in color.

Referring to FIG. 14, transparent conductor 1510A, associated withdisplay panel 500A, is adapted to conduct voltage such that when a morepositive voltage is present, through an activation provided by displaycontrol circuit 200, electrostatically charged and encapsulated, in oneembodiment, black ink droplets 1540 are drawn to transparent conductor1510A, thereby displacing ink fluid 1530, and forming into shapes thattake the form of graphics or letters. By virtue of the white ink fluid1530 contrasting with the black ink droplets 1540, a virtual printedpaper is displayed through transparent material 1520. It should beappreciated that transparent conductor 1510B, associated with displaypanel 500B, is analogous in form and function to transparent conductor1510A, associated with display panel 500A. In one embodiment,transparent conductors 1510A and 1510B are indium tin oxide.

FIG. 14 is a depiction of the display panel in a non powered state, andas such, a more positive voltage is not being applied to eithertransparent conductor 1510A or 1510B. Therefore, in one embodiment ofthe present invention, electrostatically charged encapsulated inkdroplets 1540 are free floating and are randomly floating about withinsealed chamber 1500 and are thusly depicted in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section illustrated perspective of the display panelwhen in the default state, analogous to portable computer 100 of FIG. 8,one embodiment of the present invention. When power is applied toportable computer 100 with front cover 300 in the closed or defaultposition, display control circuit 200 automatically activatestransparent conductors 1510A, such that it has a more positive voltage.This is shown as positive (+) signs within depicted transparentconductor 1510A and as negative (−) signs within depicted transparentconductor 1510B. Accordingly, this attracts electrostatically chargedencapsulated ink droplets 1540 to transparent conductors 1510Aassociated with display panel 500A. Ink droplets 1540, by virtue of thevoltage applied, displace ink fluid 1530, and form letters or graphicsviewable from display panel 500A. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the ink droplets 1540 take the form of information, e.g., amonthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 16 is a cross-section illustrated perspective of the display panelwhen front cover 300 is in the open position, analogous to portablecomputer 100 of FIG. 9. When power has been applied to portable computer100, such that it is turned on, and a user subsequently opens frontcover 300, display control circuit 200 deactivates transparent conductor150A. Simultaneously, display control circuit 200 activates transparentconductor 1510B, such that it has a more positive voltage. This is shownas positive (+) signs within depicted transparent conductors 1510B andnegative (−) signs within transparent conductors 1510A. Accordingly,this attracts electrostatically charged encapsulated ink droplets 1540to transparent conductors 1510B associated with display panel 500B. Inkdroplets 1540, by virtue of the voltage applied, displace ink fluid1530, and form letters or graphics viewable from display panel 500B. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the ink droplets 1540 take theform of a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown inFIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 16, it should be appreciated that subsequent to theopening of front cover 300, the image viewable in display panel 500A,which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month ofSeptember, display control circuit 200 deactivates the viewable image inpanel 500A, and activates panel 500B, thereby reorienting the Septembercalendar, such that it is now viewable in panel 500B. This embodiment ofthe present invention is depicted in FIG. 9. It should be furtherappreciated that when display control circuit 200 activated displaypanel 500B, it also activated display screen 600 coupled to portablecomputer, such that in one embodiment it could be a monthly calendar,e.g., the month of October, also shown in FIG. 9.

It should be appreciated that many of encapsulated ink droplets arecontained within the sealed chamber of a two-sided display panel. Itshould further be appreciated that each two-sided display panel isapproximately 1 mm thick, about one seventh the thickness of an LCD. Itshould also be appreciated that the transparent conductors areconfigured in numerous grids, such that the text or graphics displayedin a display panel has the appearance of printed paper. It is evenfurther appreciated that the viewable image on the display is visuallypersistent, meaning that until an additional display panel is activated,in one embodiment of the present invention, or the information/databeing displayed is changed, the contents and quality of the displayremains constant without using power.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that while the present inventionis discussed primarily in the context of having two colors, those colorsbeing black and white, other colors may be used, either as a replacementcolor for either black or white, but also as an additional color withinthe sealed chamber. Further, while a more positive voltage applied totransparent conductors attracts the encapsulated ink droplets, coloredink droplets may be responsive to varying amount of voltage conductedthrough the transparent conductor. In the present embodiment of thepresent invention, when the transparent conductor associated with one ofthe display panels has a voltage more positive than that of the oppositeside, the encapsulated ink droplets are attracted to the more positiveside.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each additional color,as an encapsulated ink droplet, could be electrostatically charged so asto make it responsive to a specific voltage. In one embodiment, redcolored ink droplets could be configured to be responsive to 4.35micro-volts. In one embodiment, green colored ink droplets could beconfigured to be responsive to 4.30 micro-volts. In one embodiment, bluecolored ink droplets could be configured to be responsive to 4.40micro-volts, and so forth. It should be appreciated that whilemicro-volts may be utilized to attract the colored ink droplets, othertypes of electrical energy could also be implemented.

With reference to FIG. 17, a flow chart depicting the steps of a process1700 utilizing the portable computer 100 in FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

In step 1702, a user turns on (powers up) portable computer 100 equippedwith two-sided display panels, one embodiment of the present invention.When power is applied, display control circuit 200 is responsive to theposition of front cover 300.

In step 1703, if front cover 300 remains in the closed (default)position, as determined by display control circuit 200 in step 1705,display control circuit 200 then, in step 1706, activates display panel500A, the flexible front panel display disposed in front cover 300,thereby utilizing one display panel to viewably convey information ordata to the user, which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g.,the month of September. This current embodiment of the present inventionis depicted in FIG. 8.

In step 1703, if front cover 300 is not closed, as determined by displaycontrol circuit 200 in step 1704, display control circuit 200 thendeactivates display panel 500A, the flexible front display panel offront cover 300, and activates both rear display panel 500B and displayscreen 600, coupled to palmtop computer 100, thereby utilizing twodisplay panels to viewably convey information or data to the user, asdepicted in FIG. 9, one embodiment of the present invention.

In step 1707, it should be appreciated that, in one embodiment of thepresent invention, when display control circuit 200 deactivates frontdisplay panel 500A in preparation to activate rear display panel 500B,the viewable information or data displayed within front display panel500A, which in the example is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month ofSeptember, is reoriented automatically so as to be redisplayed on reardisplay panel 500B in such a way as to become identically viewable as itwas previously on front display panel 500A. Concurrently, displaycontrol circuit 200 also activates display screen 600, coupled topalmtop computer 100, enabling a second display panel for the viewing ofinformation or data, which in one example is a monthly calendar, e.g.,the month of October. This current example of the present invention isdepicted in FIG. 9.

With reference to FIG. 18, a flow chart depicting the steps of a process1800 utilizing the multi-sided display capabilities of the portablecomputer 100 in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 is shown, in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

In step 1802, a user turns on (powers up) portable computer 100 equippedwith two-sided display panels, one embodiment of the present invention.When power is applied, display control circuit 200 is responsive to theposition of front cover 300.

Regarding step 1803, if front cover 300 remains in the closed (default)position, display control circuit 200 then activates display panel 500A,the flexible front panel display disposed in front cover 300, therebyutilizing one display panel to viewably convey information or data tothe user, as represented by step 1804, and depicted in FIG. 10, oneembodiment of the present invention.

In Step 1803, if front cover 300 is not in the closed position, displaycontrol circuit 200 then further determines whether second cover 301 isin the open position or closed (default) position, as represented byStep 1805.

In Step 1805, if display control circuit 200 determines that secondcover 301 is in the closed (default) position, display control circuit200 deactivates front panel 500A of front cover 300, and activates bothflexible rear display panel 500B of front cover 300 and flexible frontdisplay panel 600A of second cover 301 as in step 1806. It should beappreciated that when front panel 500A was deactivated, the informationor data viewable therein, initially depicted in FIG. 10, was reorientedautomatically so as to be redisplayed on rear display panel 500B suchthat it is identically viewable as it was previously on front displaypanel 500A, and is now depicted in FIG. 11. It should be furtherappreciated that display panel 600A, by virtue of activation, is capableof displaying viewable information or data, also shown in FIG. 11.

In step 1805, if display control circuit 200 determines that secondcover 301 is not in the closed position, display control circuit 200deactivates display panel 500A, the flexible front display panel offront cover 300. Further, display control circuit 200 then activatesrear display panel 500B of front cover 300. Concurrently, displaycontrol circuit 200 deactivates display panel 600A, the flexible frontdisplay panel of second cover 301, and simultaneously activates flexiblerear display panel 600B of second cover 301. Additionally, displaycontrol circuit 200 also activates display screen 700, coupled topalmtop computer 100, as in step 1807.

In step 1807, it should be appreciated that the information or dataoriginally viewable on front display panel 500A, which in one embodimentis a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, was reoriented bydisplay control circuit 200 and enabled to be viewable on rear displaypanel 500B. It should be further appreciated that the information ordata originally viewable on front display panel 600A, which in oneembodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, wasreoriented by display control circuit 200 and enabled to be viewable ondisplay screen 700. It should be additionally appreciated that displaycontrol circuit 200 activated rear display panel 600B to viewablydisplay additional information or data, which in one example is amonthly calendar, e.g., the month of November. This current embodimentof the present invention is depicted in FIG. 12.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A display apparatus providing multi-sided viewing functionality foran electronic device, said apparatus comprising: a) a front covercoupled to said electronic device; b) a first display comprising a firstviewable portion and a second viewable portion, wherein said firstdisplay is coupled to said front cover; and c) a display control circuitfor enabling said first display, said display control circuit coupled tosaid electronic device, said display control circuit responsive to theorientation of said front cover, wherein when said front cover is movedfrom a closed position to an open position, information displayed onsaid first viewable portion is automatically transferred to said secondviewable portion of said first display.
 2. The display apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a second display, coupled to said electronicdevice, wherein said display control circuit responsive to theorientation of said front cover activates said second display when saidfront cover is moved from said closed position to said open position. 3.The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first viewable portion ison a front display portion and said second viewable portion is on a backdisplay portion of said first display.
 4. The display apparatus of claim1 wherein said front cover is mechanically coupled to said electronicdevice via a hinge, wherein said hinge is adapted to open and close saidfront cover, such that when said front cover is open, said front coveris in an open position, and when said front cover is closed, said frontcover is in a default position, and wherein said first viewable portionis on a front display portion and wherein said second viewable portionis on a rear display portion of said first display.
 5. The displayapparatus of claim 4 wherein said display control circuit, responsive tosaid default position of said front cover, activates said front displayportion of said first display of said front cover, to enable viewingfunctionality of said front display portion of said first display whilesaid display control circuit deactivates said rear display portion ofsaid first display of said front cover.
 6. The display apparatus ofclaim 4 further comprising: a second display comprising a first viewableportion and a second viewable portion, wherein said first viewableportion is on the front side of said second display, and wherein saidsecond viewable portion is on the rear side of said second display,coupled to said electronic device, wherein said display control circuit,responsive to said open position of said front cover, activates saidrear display portion of said first display and said front side of saidsecond display of said electronic device while said display controlcircuit deactivates said front display portion of said first display ofsaid front cover.
 7. The display apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a processor for processing data; and a keyboard entry devicefor facilitating a user interaction.
 8. A two-sided display apparatusfor providing multi-sided viewing for an electronic device, saidapparatus comprising: a) a front cover coupled to said electronicdevice, said front cover comprising a hinge for opening and closing saidfront cover, wherein said closed front cover is a default position; b) afirst display coupled to said front cover, said first display having afront viewable portion and a rear viewable portion; and c) a displaycontrol circuit coupled to said electronic device, adapted to activatesaid first display, said display control circuit responsive to theorientation of said front cover, wherein when said front cover is movedfrom a closed position to an open position, information displayed onsaid front viewable portion of said first display is transferredautomatically to said rear viewable portion of said first display. 9.The display apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a second display,coupled to said electronic device, said second display having a frontviewable portion and a rear viewable portion, wherein said displaycontrol circuit activates said second display when said front cover ismoved from said closed position to said open position.
 10. The displayapparatus of claim 9 wherein said first display and said second displaycomprise a thin flexible transparent material, said thin flexibletransparent material being analogous to mylar.
 11. The display apparatusof claim 10 wherein said transparent material comprises a first layerand a second layer, said first layer and said second layer coupled toeach other, such that they create a sealed chamber.
 12. The displayapparatus of claim 11 wherein said sealed chamber comprises a firsttransparent conducting layer and a second transparent conducting layerdisposed within said sealed chamber, said first transparent conductivelayer and said second transparent layer responsive to voltage applied bysaid display control circuit.
 13. The display apparatus of claim 12wherein said first transparent conducting layer and said secondtransparent conducting layer are idium tin oxide.
 14. The displayapparatus of claim 13 wherein said first transparent conducting layer isdisposed toward said front viewable portion and said second transparentconducting layer is disposed toward said rear viewable portion.
 15. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 11 wherein said sealed chamber furthercomprises a fluid, said fluid comprising a first colored liquid and atleast a second colored liquid.
 16. The display apparatus of claim 11wherein said sealed chamber is predominately filled with said firstcolored liquid.
 17. The display apparatus of claim 15 wherein said firstcolored liquid is white ink.
 18. The display apparatus of claim 15wherein said second colored liquid is black ink.
 19. The displayapparatus of claim 18 wherein said black ink is transparentlyencapsulated by a multisided viewing display.
 20. The display apparatusof claim 19 wherein said transparently encapsulated black ink iselectrostatically charged.
 21. The display apparatus of claim 20 whereinsaid transparently encapsulated black ink is attracted to said voltageprovided by said display control circuit, said voltage is more positivevoltage.
 22. An electronic device comprising: a housing; a flippablecover hinged to said housing and having an open state and a closedstate, said flippable cover comprising a flexible first display havingmulti-sided viewing functionality comprising a front viewable portionand a back viewable portion; wherein said front viewable portion isoperable to display information provided said flippable cover is in saidclosed state; and wherein further upon said flippable cover opening tosaid open state, said front viewable portion becomes deactivated, saidback viewable portion automatically becomes activated and displays saidinformation.
 23. An electronic device as described in claim 21, whereinsaid housing support a second display, and wherein said display controlcircuit, upon said flippable cover opening to said open state, activatessaid second display for displaying additional information.
 24. Anelectronic device as described in claim 22 wherein said first and saidsecond display are flat panel display screens.
 25. An electronic deviceas described in claim 23 wherein said flat panel display screenscomprise electronic ink technology.
 26. An electronic device asdescribed in claim 21 further comprising: a processor for processingdata; and a keyboard entry device for facilitating a user interaction.27. An electronic device comprising: a housing supporting a firstdisplay; a first flippable cover hinged to said housing and having anopen state and a closed state, said first flippable cover comprising asecond flexible display having multi-sided viewing functionalitycomprising a front viewable portion and a back viewable portion; asecond flippable cover hinged to said housing opposite to said firstflippable cover and having an open state and a closed state, said secondflippable cover comprising a third flexible display having multi-sidedviewing functionality comprising a front viewable portion and a backviewable portion; wherein said front viewable of said second cover isactive to display a first set of information provided said first andsecond covers are closed; and wherein further, upon said second coveropening, said front viewable portion of said second cover becomesdeactivated, said back viewable portion of said second cover becomesactivated and displays said first set of information and said frontviewable portion of said first cover becomes activated for the displayof second set of information; and wherein further, upon said first coveropening while said second cover is open, said front viewable portion ofsaid first cover becomes deactivated, said back viewable portion of saidfirst cover becomes activated and displays said second set ofinformation and said first display becomes activated to display a thirdset of information.
 28. An electronic device as described in claim 27wherein said first and said second and said third display are flat paneldisplay screens.
 29. An electronic device as described in claim 28wherein said flat panel display screens comprise electronic inktechnology.
 30. In an electronic device configured with a flexible covermounted display having multi-sided viewing functionality comprising afirst and a second side, a method for utilizing multiple displaycapabilities, said method comprising: a) powering on said electronicdevice, such that said flexible cover mounted display having multi-sidedviewing functionality comprising said first and said second side areoperable to display a first set of information; and b) opening saidflexible cover so as to automatically deactivate said first side and toautomatically activate said second side of said flexible cover, todisplay said first set of information.